What is Theft By Deception?

Theft by deception is a crime in which a fraudulent activity is performed using deception to either steal services or property. If someone, for example, knowingly writes a check that will not cash because of insufficient funds, this is theft by deception. The judicial system takes different views on theft by deception depending on jurisdiction and the dollar amount of the crime.

There are many ways theft by deception can be performed. For example, a false application to get important personal information like banking accounts, a social security number and birth date. Theft by deception differs from an innocent mistake. The thief purposely deceives the victim then takes services or property knowingly. If a bad check was written unknowingly, this would not be theft by deception. If, however, a bad check is written unknowingly then nothing is done to correct the matter, this can be considered theft by deception.

Sometimes theft by deception can have a ring of people invalid with complex schemes, honest looking people with fake or forged documents to support whatever stories are told adding to the scam. Many people work alone in theft by deception, praying upon trusting people, moving into an apartment with someone, writing bad checks with fake names, then robbing them when they are away. When theft by deception had less people involved it does make it harder to track and since the crimes are generally smaller, unfortunately the police may see it as a low priority.

In general, advertising puffery is exempt from prosecution of theft by deception laws. Advertising puffery is when businesses make subjective claims that are not to be taken literally. If, for example, a bed and bath store claims they "have the softest sheets in the world," this is not to be taken literally and a customer can not file charges of fraudulence because they found softer sheets. If the puffery is blatantly misleading, however, a court may rule that the advertiser is in the wrong and may implicit a return of purchase, damages and/or fines.

How To Prevent Theft By Deception

Here are somt tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of theft by deception:

Always check a persons picture identification when involved with any transaction.
Take the time to verify the person is who they say they are by checking references and verifying financial accounts.

Be very careful who you give your information to especially with social security numbers, birth date or financial information.

Ask what is done with paper work with important personal information on it once it is no longer "on file." Some doctors offices and businesses simply throw old paperwork in the trash, to be then found by identity thieves.

Above all, be aware and use your instincts. If something makes you feel uneasy or that something is not right, go with it. Better to be safe than sorry.

Theft By Deception Conclusion

Theft by deception is an awful crime because it can make a victim feel stupid for being scammed and can leave them untrusting of all people. If you have been a victim of theft by deception, don't feel bad. Report it to the police immediately, many times it goes unreported because "I didn't loose that much" or "I was ashamed for being fooled." There are con artists out there, have been practicing theft by deception for a long time and are very good so report it to the police and eventually they will get caught and brought to justice.